Tottenham Hotspur head into Sunday’s clash with Sunderland unbeaten in their last 15 Premier League meetings against the Black Cats, a run that dates back to April 2010.
On paper, that record would normally point toward a positive result. However, this has been far from a typical season, with Spurs yet to register a league win since late December.
There had been speculation linking Sean Dyche with a potential rescue role, but it is Roberto De Zerbi who has been entrusted with turning things around, despite journalist John Brewin describing his past managerial record as more “arsonist than firefighter.” Even before taking charge of a match, Spurs had already slipped into the relegation zone, and the latest setback for Mohammed Kudus has only deepened the selection issues heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
Spurs injury news after De Zerbi press conference
De Zerbi admitted his tenure has not begun with much fortune, with Kudus—who had been nearing a return—now expected to miss the rest of the season, amid concerns he could require surgery.
Tottenham are already without long-term absentees James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, while Rodrigo Bentancur is still not ready to return despite progressing in his recovery.
There is also a setback in goal, as first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is unavailable following hernia surgery, meaning Antonin Kinsky could be set for his first start since the trip to Madrid. Pape Matar Sarr is another doubt after picking up a shoulder injury on international duty with Senegal.
On a more positive note, Lucas Bergvall and Mathys Tel have both returned to full training and are back in contention. Tel, who was forced off against Nottingham Forest with a groin injury, could feature on the left flank if fully fit.
De Zerbi could unleash Spurs’ next Dele as Kudus replacement
With Kudus and Kulusevski sidelined, and Brennan Johnson having been sold in January, Spurs lack a clear option on the right wing ahead of their trip to the Stadium of Light.
De Zerbi – Predicted XI
GK: Kinsky
RB: Porro
CB: Romero
CB: Van de Ven
LB: Udogie
DM: Bergvall
DM: Gray
RM: Kolo Muani
AM: Simons
LM: Tel
ST: Solanke
Under Igor Tudor, Djed Spence and Pedro Porro were occasionally pushed into advanced roles, but neither appears to be a natural fit in that position.
A more exciting alternative could come from the youth ranks, with fans eager to see 17-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett given an opportunity. While primarily a number ten, he has shown versatility, including a senior appearance on the left wing against Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup.
That remains his only first-team outing so far, but his performances at youth level have been impressive, contributing 13 goals in 11 matches across the U18 and U21 sides.
According to GOAL journalist Sean Walsh, the youngster shows “shades of Dele,” with further comparisons drawn to Spurs icons David Ginola and Paul Gascoigne. Like Dele, who arrived from MK Dons in 2015 and quickly made an impact, Williams-Barnett is seen as a potential breakout talent.
Whether from the starting lineup or off the bench, he could offer a spark in a challenging situation for Spurs.
Question
Who is the Tottenham goalkeeper most likely to start against Sunderland following Guglielmo Vicario’s hernia surgery?
Alfie Whiteman
Brandon Austin
Fraser Forster
Antonin Kinsky
